Consultation follows growing calls from campaigners, vets and National Farmers’ Union for tighter regulation As the nights draw in, the season of sparklers begins, with Diwali, Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve among the occasions typically celebrated with fireworks. But if campaigners get their way, this could be the last blast for bangers in the back yard. In January concerns about the noise and availability of fireworks were aired in a parliamentary debate , with two petitions clocking up more than 180,000 signatures each, while earlier this month the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade closed a consultation on proposals including making louder fireworks only available to professional users. Continue reading...
Is time up for backyard fireworks? UK ministers weigh partial ban over noise concerns
Source: The Guardian
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The Guardian
Nigel’s ‘chiselled cheekbones’ make the news – Reform’s the Reformer, digested by John Crace
Editor, agony uncle, crossword compiler – he even interviews himself. Our sketchwriter finds there’s no end to Farage’s talents Welcome to your new super, soaraway Reformer . The paper that aims to take you back to the 1950s with all the stories that the mainstream media don’t want you to read. Free to all patriots. And those who happen to have found a copy on the floor of the bus. Continue reading...
The Guardian
When you’re traduced, abused and gaslighted – believe me, Black History Month matters | Hugh Muir
There is always debate about the concept’s necessity and efficacy. But with nativists in their pomp, it’s good to focus on who we are and why What forces shaped four generations of Black Britons? | The panel Pity Black History Month UK , assailed on all sides. Those on the right seek to end the celebration on the basis that it amounts to special treatment for a group that doesn’t deserve it. History should be colour-blind: society should not differentiate, they say. We are not racist, we just want fairness. But often, they are – and they really don’t. On the other side of the argument are the progressives, notably minority progressives, who say the idea of a month to consider Black history is demeaning because it should already have a year-round place in our teaching and consciousness. There is a further view that any beneficial effect the month once had has been diluted by unimaginative
The Guardian
Massive Attack, Bob Marley, bell hooks and grime: the forces that shaped four generations of Black Britons | The panel
For Black History Month, figures from the arts, culture and sport reveal the people and ideas that made them who they are today When you’re traduced, abused and gaslighted – believe me, Black History Month matters | Hugh Muir Continue reading...
BBC Politics
Mahmood expected to announce changes to rules around indefinite leave to remain
The home secretary has faced opposition from within the government over plans to impose new rules on migrant workers already in the UK.
BBC Politics
Burnham 'open' to calls for slavery apology but not reparations
The prime minister says Britain must "face up to the past" for its role in the transatlantic slave trade but reparations are "not the right answer".
The Guardian
Andy Burnham open to calls for formal apology for Britain’s role in slave trade
Exclusive: UK PM to launch drive to restructure debt of poorest Commonwealth countries but rejects demands for reparations • British people can’t be made to pay for the wrongs of slavery – but we must confront our complicated history | Andy Burnham Andy Burnham has gone further than any previous prime minister towards offering a formal apology for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, in a Guardian article ahead of a Commonwealth leaders’ summit where the subject is expected to dominate. As he prepares to fly to the Caribbean next week, the prime minister said he was open to calls for an official apology on behalf of the state and offered formal talks to those affected, including individual countries and campaign groups at home and abroad. Continue reading...